The Wamego City Commission reviewed the Kansas Sampler Festival results. At Tuesday’s meeting, the Kansas Sampler Festival committee, Michele Crisler, Bunny McCloud, and Betsy Riblett, informed the Commission the net profit from the two-year festival was over $34,000. Crisler said the Festival had a very positive effect on both Wamego and Kansas. She said because it was such a picturesque event, she asked for approval to put together a commemorative photo album, wanting to print 25 copies, with some going to the Library and City offices, and selling the remainder.
Since the profit from the Festival belongs to the City of Wamego, Crisler asked what to do next. City Manager Merl Page said the next logical step is to turn over the profit to the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to enhance tourism. He suggested printing copies of the photo album, and issuing personalized copies for the Festival committee. A motion was made and approved by a vote of 5 to 0.
The Wamego City Commission reviewed bids for the Columbian Theatre restoration project. Architect Bruce McMillan and his staff presented the bid tabulation form from 4 contractors received on July 17th. The lowest bidder was Restoration & Waterproofing, Inc. from Topeka, with a Base Bid of $184,565.60 plus $6,600 (for Drainage Apron) for a total of $191,165.60. The Architect’s estimate was $202,000.
According to McMillan, included in the bid was a $15 (L/F –linear foot) unit price for tuck-pointing and a $175 L/F unit price for Stone replacement, but these unit costs wouldn’t kick in unless the 2,000 L/F tuck-pointing and 200 L/F stone replacement cost built into the Base Bid was used first. City Manager Merl Page said there were adequate funds in reserve to cover the project. A motion was made to accept the base bid and both unit price bids, and allow the Mayor to sign the appropriate documents when ready. The motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.
The Wamego City Commission reviewed a final subdivision re-plat. City Manager Merl Page reviewed the re-plat of the Schneider subdivision. Owner Michael Schneider had the property platted earlier, but this re-plat repeals all earlier ordinances. According to Page, the Planning Commission approved the re-plat by a vote of 6 to 0.
After Schneider commented on the re-plat criteria, Commissioner Bill Ditto suggested tabling a decision until the Commission could study the property further. A motion was made and approved 5 to 0.
In other business:
the Commission renewed the annual contract with the Columbian Theatre Foundation to display banners on Lincoln Avenue highlighting upcoming Theatre events.
the Commission approved converting sections of the main level of City Hall to LED lighting due to failure of the existing ballast system.
approved the resignation of Colleen Morris from the Library Board due to becoming an employee, and approved the board application from Alisha Paddock, Professor at Manhattan Christian College, which expires in 2017.
approved the annual carnival contract with Evans Midland Empire, with the exception of a 5-day run next year instead of 4-day as in the past.
